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“Honestly, I think Tyler has a good point. If he's willing to step out⁠—”

“I am,” says Tyler.

“Tyler, let Mary finish,” demands Kelly.

“As I was saying … if Tyler is willing to go out, I suggest we let him. He can go out in the middle of the night, make his way around the ship, and report back on what's happening.” We had been hearing a lot of banging and movements, so clearly Logan’s crew was up to something.

I consider what Mary is saying but I also agree with Kelly. I don’t know how I feel about this. Tyler’s my brother, and I don’t want him getting hurt. I have to protect him.

“That's a big risk for my brother, and I couldn't forgive myself if anything happened to him. I agree, someone needs to check out the place, so I'll do it. Besides, I know this ship better than anyone else.”

“No, Theo,” Tyler snaps. “You don't always have to be the hero. Let me do this. I need to do this.”

Kelly interjects, “Babe, you don't need to prove anything to me. I know you're tough, and I love you.”

“This isn't about you, Kel; I love you too. But it's about me showing my brother I can handle tough situations.”

“Tyler, there's no need to prove that to me or anyone else. It's not your responsibility. Stay here and protect them. Let me handle Logan. Honestly, I've been wanting to give that bastard a taste of his own medicine for quite some time,” I say, smiling.

“Babe, are you sure about this?” Julie asks. “Do you really know Logan as well as you think you do?” Her question throws me off guard. She’s right. I don’t know him that well, and he most likely can beat my ass, but I won’t go down without a fight. I don’t say that out loud, of course.

“It doesn’t matter how well I know him. I won't let any of you risk your lives.”

“If you won't let me go alone, then I'm at least going with you. That wasn't a question, just so we're clear,” Tyler states, crossing his arms across his chest.

“Fine. Tyler and I are leaving tonight. Does anyone have anything to say?”

No one says anything. Everyone helps search for anything Tyler and I can use as weapons. From what I see, there really isn’t much to choose from. After about an hour of searching, I call off the search and sit in a chair, empty-handed.

“There isn't anything useful here,” Mary says, holding a zipper pouch, slumping into a seat. “It's mainly medicine and supplies. Oh! Maybe this will work.” She holds up a handful of sealed tools that remind me of a butter knife.

“What are those?” I ask. Mary giggles, like it's obvious what they are.

“I'm sorry, these are disposable scalpels, very sharp.” She opens one and slides it across the table to me. The small metal blade catches the light.

“I know what a scalpel is, I just couldn't see it when you held it up.”

I try to think of other supplies that may still be hidden. As soon as the thought enters my mind, I clap my hands together. “I’ve got it. If we can reach the atrium, I know of something we can use!”

“Well, what is it?” Tyler asks.

“On the 6th floor, there is a utility closet next to the library, and inside it is a fire hose and an axe.” I run my fingers through my hair. “That's if no one has already taken it.”

“Sounds good to me. But I'll need something for protection, too,” says Tyler.

“For now, you can carry the scalpels; we can find other weapons along the way,” I say.

“Tyler, if you're going to use a scalpel, be careful. If anyone tries to attack you, even the smallest swipe can do severe damage.”

“Got it, Mary. Thanks.” Tyler grabs the scalpel and accidentally drops it on the table. “My bad,” he says, picking it up. For fuck’s sake, this is a terrible idea.

Mary stands up and heads to the back of the room, disappearing into one of the rooms for a moment. When she returns, she has a black plastic trash bag in her hands. The bag is stuffed to the brim like it's Santa’s bag of gifts.

“What's that?” I ask when she drops it on the floor beside us.

“Clothes I’ve found,” she says, and I immediately pause. Hold on, what?

“You mean those are dead people's clothes? Oh, hell no. I’m not wearing dead people’s clothes,” says Tyler, shaking his head. I can’t say I disagree with him.